Built in 1985-86, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden is the classical Chinese garden situated in Vancouver. The garden has been named in honor of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, a nationalist leader who was considered as the “father of modern China”. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden are different entities but linked by an artificial pond.

The park is a public place done in Chinese style with North American materials while Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden is designed by Wang Zu-Xin and a team of experts from Suzhou, China. Moreover, Vancouver climate is quite similar to that of Suzhou. As a result, many of the same plant varieties in the garden are also found in Suzhou.

The specialty of this garden is that the plants are planted while keeping their blossom schedule in mind so that they emphasize upon seasonal changes. One may also find the historical, literary and symbolic meaning of each plant. Contrary to the western gardens and regardless of seasons, the plants at Dr Sun Yat Sen Garden remain colorful throughout the year.

Another quality of this garden is that it follows the philosophical principles of Feng Shui and Taoism in order to maintain harmony and balance the opposites. Rocks set against soothing foliage along with a large water pond are all arranged to unify other elements. Animals like turtles, fish and objects of bats, dragons and phoenix too serve a symbolic purpose.